•RE as a new local natural adsorbent was used for removal of Pb (II) and Zn (II) Ions from aqueous solutions •The maximum adsorption capacities (mg/g) of RE were 10.31 and 8.74 for Pb (II) and Zn (II), respectively (Pb2+>Zn2+). •It can be concluded that RE is a suitable adsorbent for removing Pb (II) and Zn (II) from contaminated water and wastewater.